"Current Trip for 2012"           

CROATIA --- is where mountains and pine woods meet the turquoise sea with unforgettable beauty.    With incredible sunsets and the ocean lapping at your door, it is among the sunniest coasts in all of Europe.    There are 1185 islands with Korcula being the largest.  Croatia’s fame is its beautiful coastline (over 1200 miles), the Hawaii of Europe.  Steeped in Greek, Roman and Austrian/Hungarian history, Croatia has much to offer the tourist.  It is also renowned for its culture and science; the Italian influence still very noticeable.

Say the guests:  The hosts are friendly, kind and very helpful.  Lodging is comfortable and very clean.  A long time holiday destination for Brits, Austrians and Germans, Americans are now discovering that it is the place to GO!!     This beautiful, historic country is a must.

AUSTRIA --- was Europe’s most powerful empire.    The Habsburg’s built a giant kingdom of more than 50 million people from the 13^th to the 18^th century. They prided themselves on doing this mostly by making love instead of war; by marrying their daughters to the royalty of Europe.  Now, with only about eight million people, Austria’s elegant past is still foremost; they cherish their distinct cultural and historical traditions.   The beauty of the country, especially the Tirol, is fabulous and awesome.

     Austrians are a mellow and relaxed people, and very sociable, feeling it is important to greet people in the breakfast room and those you pass on the street.  Their “Hi” is “Gruss Gott” (“May God greet you”).  They still believe the waltz is all the rage and the Donau (Danube) is the river for romantics.    Besides Strauss, Mozart is very much revered and you see him displayed everywhere, especially in chocolate, yep, chocolate Mozart.

GERMANY --- is now known as the world’s fifth-biggest industrial power: energetic, efficient and organized. BUT, we don’t travel there for these reasons.  Although Germany is no longer divided East and West, historically it has been and continues to be divided north and south, and it is the south that we are drawn to, touristicly speaking --- majestic alps, baroque churches, fairyland castles, medieval towns and a countryside of astounding beauty. Although those in the north are not unfriendly, they seem to be more guarded and formal.  On the other hand, Germans in the south tend to be more fun-loving, relaxed, “open” and have a great zest for life.  I know that my Bavarian family sounds crazy when they’re all together, out-talking each other with laughter and more laughter --- a lot like Italians.

What do these countries have in common?  Gorgeous, squeaky clean, and friendly people.

THE ITINERARY IN A NUTSHELL ----                                           

Sat/Sun – 8/9 Sept.             
Arrive Split - pick up cars -drive to Trogir (4 miles)

                visit the ancient city of Split on Sun. 

Mon/Tues – 10/11 Sept.        
Korcula/Ston - visit the ancient town of Korcula on Tues. Marco Polo born here - visit Ston when leaving Korcula

Wed/Thurs – 12/13 Sept.    
Slano - visit the historical city of Dubrovnik

          and the island of Lokrum on Thurs.

Fri/Sat – 14/15 Sept. 
Miletici - visit the historical Zadar on Sat.

Sun – 16 Sept.                       
Plitvice National Waterfall Park - Overnite in Zagreb for the train to Vienna on Mon.

Mon – 17 Sept.                     
Train to Vienna-pick up cars-drive to Hotel Sophienalpe

                   in the Vienna Woods

Tues – 18 Sept.
Tour of Vienna with Lisa

Wed – 19 Sept. 
Melk - visit world renowned abbey - short cruise on Danube

Thurs-Sat – 20-22 Sept. 
Hallstatt - visit Salt Mine / Eagles Nest / Konigssee / Salzburg

Sun – 23 Sept. 
Bodemais - visit Joska Krystall - overnite in Lalling

Mon-Wed – 24-26 Sept. 
Oberammergau - brewery tour / top of Zugspitze / summer luge / visit two of Ludwig’s castles

Thur/Fri – 27/28 Sept.
Rothenburg - visit Crime Museum/visit the castle garden / walk the wall/walk with the night watchman

Sat/Sun – 29/30 Sept. 
Trier - visit the Mosel River Valley/Burg Eltz castle/

sit river villages of Zell and Bernkastel/Kues

Mon – 1 Oct.  Fly home from Frankfurt

COST OF TRIP*:  
12 PEOPLE --- $3700. ea. plus airfare

16 PEOPLE --- $3500. ea. plus airfare

Price includes:  all lodging, breakfast and dinner, sights, car expenses

*I base the price on the euro being $1.50 or less.

Joan Alimonti, Trip Coordinator 

ladeejay@linkunet.com    
www.adventuresintravels.com 
209-295-5557

Visit my homepage and see my philosophy on travel.

Contact me for a complete itinerary, with historical details.